McDonald Park School

9 May 2025

• 2025 school visits,
• Ambassador Visit

McDonald Park School Library was transformed into a haven of Mem Fox displays to showcase favourite books read by every class: all in preparation for award-winning author, Mem’s visit on 9 May 2025. Mem was there in her role as Ambassador for the Premier’s Reading Challenge, a role she takes very seriously by explaining to students why she loves reading and why participating in the PRC is such fun.

Mem challenged students to all participate in the Challenge explaining that if they don’t like a book, they should stop reading it and choose a different book. Mem’s belief is that no-one really dislikes reading, it’s just that they haven’t found the right book for them.

Students and staff were entertained by Mem’s expressive reading of some of her books including Whoever You Are and her latest publication, Meerkat Mayhem. Mem also shared stories from her childhood and how she learnt to read and write. Afterwards, Mem moved to the library to sign books, and sign books she did, with a line of over 170 students and staff.

It was a most memorable morning for everyone.

Students offered feedback about the PRC and Mem’s visit:

I like the PRC because it makes you feel you can read easier.  –  Anonymous, Year 6

I like the PRC because you get an award for reading books and it makes it fun to read.  I liked Mem visiting us. I liked how funny, kind and nice she was, and that she put a lot of drama into her reading.  –  Baden, Year 6

I like that the PRC encourages kids to read and have a good imagination, and it introduces me to new experiences. I would suggest that other students complete the Challenge because it gets them to do something different than going on their games. I liked Mem reading her books and showing us how she learnt to write.  –  Charlotte, Year 6

I like the PRC because it helps teach kids to read and you can get medals. The PRC makes me feel great and how good I am at reading. It can help with score reading.  –  Meah, Year 6

I like the PRC because it encourages little ones and older ones. It awards medals so readers can feel proud about their reading, and it can help with fluency and spelling.  –  Tyler, Year 6

Being rewarded by the PRC makes me feel proud of myself.  –  Connor, Year 3

I loved everything about Mem Fox’s visit. I love her books. She was funny and kind, and she signed my book.  –  Amity, Year 4

I think others should try the PRC because it is fun.  –  Savannah, Year 3

The PRC helps my wellbeing because it makes me want to read more and be proud.  –  Matilda, Year 4

The PRC builds my confidence in reading.  –  Albert, Year 3

And, from Suzanne, Teacher Librarian and Foundation Teacher:

The Premier’s Reading Challenge fosters awareness and encouragement of reading. It suggests new titles for children to read. To be given the opportunity of a PRC Ambassador visit, and to meet the creator behind books which touch our hearts, was very important to our whole school. There was building anticipation leading up to the visit, but excitement knew no bounds on the day.

What did we not like about Mem’s visit? Her polished, humorous presenting style, the rare opportunity to see an author in the flesh, her enthusiasm and generosity in donating a book, her beautiful manner with children and her appreciation of our work with literacy at McDonald Park. Mem’s visit enhanced learning experiences enormously. Background information of Mem’s life, expert story reading, connecting to illustrators, the whole visit.

Thank you for travelling to visit us. We were grateful to be chosen. Please, do come again!